Forgotten Cemetery for Enslaved People Found in New York, Revealing a Lost History

Unearthing a Buried Past: Kingston, New York Reclaims Enslaved People's Cemetery

Hidden beneath the modern development of Kingston, New York, lies a centuries-old cemetery that has been brought back to light. This forgotten burial ground, now known as the Pine Street African Burial Ground, served as a resting place for enslaved African Americans from the mid-18th century to the late 19th century.

The cemetery, located on a quiet residential block, was obscured by urban expansion and eventually forgotten. It was used as a lumberyard and then residential lawns before finally being uncovered in recent years.

Restoring Dignity to the Enslaved

A group of dedicated students from the State University of New York at New Paltz, called Harambee Kingston, are leading the effort to reclaim and restore the cemetery. Their work is supported by local historians, archaeologists, and community advocates.

Over the past three summers, the team has meticulously excavated the site, uncovering the remains of up to 27 individuals. Their ultimate goal is to raise $1 million to transform the neglected space into a respectful memorial honoring the African heritage of those buried there. This memorial will include a tall grave marker in the center of the yard.

A Story of Neglect and Resilience

The only intact, legible headstone found belonged to Caezar Smith, a man born into slavery who gained his freedom before passing away in 1839 at the age of 41. Historical records suggest that two other individuals, a man named Sam and a 16-year-old girl named Deyon, may also be buried there. Deyon was publicly executed for allegedly killing her enslavers' 6-year-old daughter in 1803.

This discovery is a reminder that many African American burial sites across the country have been lost to development or neglect. "A good deal of them have been built over—by parking lots, schools, stadiums, highways," noted Antoinette Jackson, a professor of anthropology and founder of The Black Cemetery Network.

Unveiling a Forgotten Chapter of History

The rediscovery of the Pine Street African Burial Ground sheds light on a often-overlooked part of New York's history. While the city's legacy is often overshadowed by the southern states, New York had one of the largest enslaved populations in the northern colonies during the 18th century.

Advocates hope that isotopic and DNA analyses of the remains will provide deeper insights into the lives of those buried there, possibly identifying living descendants and shedding light on their origins. This discovery represents a critical step towards recognizing and honoring the past of those who were denied dignity in life and in death.